Gene Editing and Human Rights: Is There Any Contradiction?

Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, offer promising solutions for treating genetic disorders. They could potentially cure or delay the progression of hereditary diseases like thalassemia, anemia, and blindness, as well as manage conditions such as HIV and Duchenne dystrophy. However, there are deep ethical implications surrounding gene editing, particularly regarding germline modifications. Several concerns certainly arise as regard to human rights, such as right to health, protection from discrimination, and respect for human dignity. Debates focus also on consent issues, especially when modifying embryos, and on the potential risks for societal divides in case only certain populations can access these therapies, reinforcing social prejudice and inequities. It is true that international frameworks, such as the Oviedo Convention and the UNESCO Declaration on Bioethics, are seeking to regulate gene editing by providing principles, but they do lack comprehensive norms about germline modifications. By considering the risks and benefits of emerging technologies, a balanced normative approach is needed to guarantee scientific progress while safeguarding human rights.